The date on which most people are born is typically ordinary. For some, the day marks something special celebrated by many — take Christmas Day or the Fourth of July, for instance.

This year, however, offered a most unusual birth date: 12-12-12.

Courtney Jane Tomford, daughter of Liz and Jesse Tomford of Stacy, caused quite a stir since she arrived at Fairview Lakes Medical Center in Wyoming Wednesday, Dec. 12. Originally due Dec. 10, baby Courtney instead chose to arrive at exactly 12 minutes past 12 noon on the 12th day of the 12th month of 2012. Mom and dad, who arrived at the medical center at 2:30 earlier that morning, had no idea the stars would align so magically for their newborn.

“We didn’t do anything to make it happen that way. It just happened,” the couple said.

The baby was delivered by Liz’s obstetrician Ralph Magnusson, MD, an OB/GYN specialist at Fairview Clinics-Wyoming. Courtney, who weighed in at 7 lbs. 5 ounces, is the third child for the Tomfords, joining brother Lane, 2, and big sister Allyson, 8.

Pictured are proud parents Tim and Kari Burrows, with children Wyatt, Carter, Cloey and newborn daughter Olivia Kay, who was born on the unique date of 12/12/12 at St. Croix Regional Medical Center in St. Croix Falls, Wis.

Courtney received a bit of celebrity status, as well, when news of her birth was featured in the Dec. 12, 2012, Pioneer Press and broadcasts on KARE 11 and WCCO.

“She’s a blessing no matter when she was born,” said mom Liz. “We would love her just as much if she was born on Dec. 13.”

Still, Mom and Dad confess that baby Courtney will likely have quite a birthday party on her golden birthday, which is Dec. 12, 2024.

Another birth, another miracle

At St. Croix Regional Medical Center, Kari and Tim Burrows of Osceola, Wis., also were thrilled to welcome a new daughter, Olivia Kay, born at 8:30 a.m. on, you guessed it, December 12, 2012.

It’s been a family “occasion” in more than one way at St. Croix Regional Medical Center since mom Kari, along with Cloey and Wyatt, were all born at SCRMC, too. Proud grandparents are Debra and Richard Burrows of Osceola and Sharon and Doug Fairchild of Forest Lake.

Tim and Kari will receive a special silver birth certificate holder from the medical center’s Volunteer Partners gift shop.

A celebration of a birth is always a special occasion at St. Croix Regional, yet the medical center is especially proud to have one to celebrate this unique date.